Tag: Creamy pasta

Creamy Chili Crisp Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

There are few things more satisfying than a pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness and spicy heat. Enter this Creamy Chili Crisp Pasta recipe from Epicurious, a simple yet vibrant meal that’s sure to make its way into your weekly dinner rotation. With tangy Greek yogurt forming the base of a luscious sauce and chili crisp providing an addictive, tongue-tingling kick, this dish is a true weeknight wonder. It’s not only easy to whip up but also flexible enough to cater to different taste preferences.

The use of Greek yogurt as the primary sauce base brings a tangy, creamy element that keeps the dish light yet indulgent. Mixing it with starchy pasta water helps achieve a glossy texture, similar to Alfredo sauce, but with a refreshing tang. The chili crisp, a popular condiment known for its flavorful combination of chili oil, fried garlic, and fermented soybeans, takes things up a notch. One bite and you’ll understand why this pasta is a hit. With minimal effort and ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this fantastic dish.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make sure to generously salt the water, as this is your only chance to properly season the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 1 pound of spaghetti (or any pasta of your choosing) and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than the package directions. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked since it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
  2. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 2 cups of the starchy pasta cooking liquid. This water will be used to create the creamy sauce, so don’t forget this step! Drain the pasta and return it to the warm pot.
  3. In the same pot with the pasta, add 1¼ cups of plain whole-milk Greek yogurt. Toss the pasta with tongs to thoroughly coat it in the yogurt. At this stage, it might look thick, but don’t worry. Gradually add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing as you go. You want to add just enough water to form a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, resembling a light Alfredo sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, continue adding splashes of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Once the sauce has come together, taste the pasta. If needed, add a pinch of kosher salt to enhance the flavors. Keep in mind that the chili crisp will add some saltiness, so be cautious not to overdo it.
  5. Divide the pasta among shallow bowls or plates, and top each portion with as much chili crisp as your heart desires. If the chili crisp looks a little dry, you can thin it out with a bit of grapeseed or any neutral oil before spooning it over the pasta. The key is to let the chili oil coat the pasta for an extra layer of heat and flavor.

The beauty of this Creamy Chili Crisp Pasta lies in its simplicity. It’s an effortless dish that feels far more luxurious than the time and ingredients required. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with roommates, this pasta is a surefire hit. The combination of Greek yogurt and chili crisp creates an irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, while the starchy pasta water ensures the sauce clings to every noodle. Plus, it’s highly customizable—whether you like more or less heat, or prefer a different type of pasta, this dish adapts to your needs.

With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and an unforgettable flavor profile, this pasta dish is bound to become a favorite. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for that family-size jar of chili crisp sooner rather than later!

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Cajun Comfort Food: Shrimp and Tasso Pasta Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the South with this Creamy Shrimp and Tasso Pasta recipe from Louisiana Cookin. This dish perfectly combines the richness of the creamy sauce, the smoky and savory notes of tasso, and the delicate sweetness of succulent shrimp. The tantalizing blend of Cajun and Creole influences in this recipe ensures a taste experience that is both comforting and vibrant. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the heart and a delightful kick to the taste buds.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. You’ll begin this recipe by preparing the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and toss it with some oil to ensure it doesn’t stick together. Set it aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  2. Next, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning and let it cook for about 10 seconds, allowing the flavors to bloom. Add the white onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet, and cook them until they become tender, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Now, introduce the tasso and green onion, cooking them for an additional 2 minutes. Finally, add the shrimp and pour in the cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir constantly until the shrimp turn a delightful pink color and become firm, which should take approximately 3 minutes.
  3. Pour the creamy shrimp and tasso mixture over the pasta in the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top as a garnish. This step adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
  4. Your Creamy Shrimp and Tasso Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it immediately for a warm and comforting meal, or if you prefer it chilled, cover the bowl and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. If you choose to reheat the dish, simply cook it over medium-low heat until it is thoroughly heated.

When serving Creamy Shrimp and Tasso Pasta, consider complementing it with some delectable side dishes. A fresh garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside a bed of seasoned rice or a crusty French baguette, perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce. Additionally, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make for a nutritious and colorful accompaniment to the dish. Remember, the goal is to create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the palate and the senses.

Notes:

  • Choose a pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. These textured varieties will enhance the overall dining experience.
  • To add a little extra depth of flavor to the dish, consider sautéing the shrimp briefly in some garlic-infused oilbefore adding them to the skillet. This will impart a subtle garlic-infused essence that complements the other ingredients.
  • If you prefer a spicier version of this recipe, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the skillet along with the Creole seasoning. This will give the dish an extra kick of heat, characteristic of Cajun and Creole cuisine.

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